Apparatus for connecting pipe

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connecting pipe sections wherein a first pipe section is delivered from a supply station to a position on a connection station adapted to support a second pipe section at another position thereon, the supply station and connection station being moveable along the ground, the connection station includes a first alignment assembly for orienting the first pipe section, a second alignment assembly for orienting the second pipe section, a securement assembly being selectively actuatable to position the second pipe section in axial alignment with the first pipe section, means for connecting the pipe sections in end-to-end relation, and wherein the alignment assemblies are arranged to guide the coupled pipe sections axially along the connection station upon movement of the apparatus along the ground such that the first pipe section is moved to the former position of the second pipe section and a third pipe section is delivered from the supply station to the former position of the first pipe section on the connection station for coupling to the first pipe section.

United States Patent 1 Bronstein [541 APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING PIPE [76] Inventor: Herman Bronstein, 24305 Tunbridge Lane, Beachwood, Ohio 44121 [22] Filed t July 12, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 161,492

[52] US. Cl. ..29/200 P, 29/43] [51] Int. CL; ..B23p 19/00 [58] Field of Search ..29/200 P, 429, 200 B, 431,

29/430, 200 A, 200 D,200 R Primary Examiner-Thomas H. Eager Attorney-Albert R. Teare et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for connecting pipe sections wherein a 1 Jan. 16, 1973 first pipe section is delivered from a supply station to a position on a connection station adapted to support a second pipe section at another position thereon, the supply station and connection station being moveable along the ground, the connection station includes a v i first alignment assembly for orienting the first pipe section, a second alignment assembly for orienting the second pipe section, a securemlent assembly being selectively actuatable to position "the second pipe section in axial alignment with the first pipe section, means for connecting the pipe sections in end-to-end relation, and wherein the alignment assemblies are arranged to guide the coupled pipe sections axially along the connection station upon movement of the apparatus along the ground such that the first pipe section is moved to the former position of the second pipe section and a third pipe section is delivered ,from the supply station to the former position of the first pipe section on the connection station for coupling to the first pipe section.

12 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures FATENTEDJAH 16 I975 SHEET 1 OF 4 I N VEN TOR.

HERM AN BRONS'TE\N PATENTEDJAN 16 I975 3.710.475

sum 2 OF 4 INVEN TOR HERMAN BRONS'TE\\-\ PATENTEDJAH 16 I875 SHEET 3 [IF 4 l IN VEN TOR.

HERMAN B'RDN ST E\\\\ PATENTEDJM! 16 I975 SHEET U 0F 4 INVENTOR.

HERM AN BROQS'YEWK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for installing pipe lines, and more particularly to those apparatuses employing portable equipment for essentially automatically and continuously connecting individual pipe sections to one another to form a continuous pipeline.

Heretofore, it has been known to connect individual pipe sections by various methods, such as by press-fit, shrink-fit, threading, welding, etc. In general, these joining operations have been performed manually, or at least, have required considerable manual handling of the respective pipe sections. Recently, various attempts have been made to reduce the manual labor required to perform such operations as a result of extremely rapidly rising labor costs.

At present, none of the known apparatuses or methods being employed for the connection of individual pipe sections have been found to be entirely satisfactory as they still require considerable manual handling, and particularly with respect to the alignment of the pipe sections prior to connection thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates providing an improved apparatus for assembling and/or installing a plurality of pipe sections to form a continuous pipeline. More specifically, the apparatus comprises portable supply and connection stations which are operably coupled to one another for movement along the ground. The supply station is arranged to deliver a first pipe section to a position on the connection station which is arranged to support a second pipe section at another position thereon. The connection station comprises a first alignment assembly for orienting the first pipe section and a second alignment assembly for orienting the second pipe section. A selectively actuatable securement assembly is mounted on the connection station being arranged for coaction with the second alignment section such that the second pipe section is positioned in substantially axial alignment with the first pipe section. The connection station includes means for connecting the pipe sections in end-to-end relation. The alignment assemblies are arranged to guide the coupled pipe sections in an axial direction along the connection station upon deactuation of the securement assembly and movement of the supply station and connection station, as a unit, along the ground, such that the first pipe section moves to the former position of the second pipe section on the connection station, and a third pipe section is delivered from the supply station to the former position of the first pipe section on the connection station for coupling to the first pipe section. More specifically, the supply station comprises a support structure including a storage rack adapted to support a plurality of pipe sections thereon. The storage rack is pivotally connected, at least at one end, to the support structure for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis. Jack means carried on the support structure operably coact with the opposite end of the storage rack for pivoting the storage rack between a lowered storage position and a raised discharge position. A selectively actuatable ejection means is mounted adjacent the connected end of the rack being arranged to eject the first pipe section therefrom. The connection station comprises a support member including a receiving section adapted to support the first pipe section delivered from the supply station, and a connection section adapted to support a second .pipe

section transferred from the receiving section. Further, the connection station include a first alignment assembly for orienting the first pipe section on the support member and a second alignment assembly for orienting the second pipe section on the support member. A selectively actuatable securement means if arranged for operably coacting with the second alignment assembly for positioning the second pipe sections in substantially axial alignment with the first pipe section to enable end-to-end connection thereof. In addition, the securement means include a clamping as sembly which clampingly coacts with the second align ment assembly to position an unconnected end of the second pipe section in axial alignment with the adjacent unconnected end of the first pipe section. A means for connecting the first pipe section with the second pipe section is carried by the support member being selectively actuatableto join the pipe sections in end-to-end relation. The connection section includes a positioning assembly which is arranged to receive the first pipe section from the supply station and controllably lower the first pipe section onto the support member. In the specific embodiment shown, the pipe sections are arranged for threaded connection, and the means for coupling the pipe sections includes a rotatable member moveable between a raised loading position and a lowered drive position for engagement with the first pipe section to rotate the first pipe section about its central axis and relative to the second pipe section for coupling the pipe sections in threaded relation to one another. Means are provided for moving the supply station and connection station, as a unit, for shifting the coupled pipe sections relative to the connection station, as aforesaid, and progressively delivering the coupled pipe sections from the connection station toward the work site.

By the foregoing arrangement, there is provided an apparatus for assembling and/or installing pipe sections which is essentially automatic, and which requires little or no manual handling ofthe pipe sections. Further, the system is adaptable for joining various forms of pipe sections which may be coupled in various ways, such as by welding, shrink-fit, press-fit, etc. Still further, this arrangement provides for an extremely facile and expeditions handling of the pipe section in order to align such in end-to-end relation for coupling to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of apparatus FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the connection station of the present invention as seen from the bottom of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the connection station of the present invention taken from the right side of FIG. 7 showing one form of positioning assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, elevation view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the connection station of the present invention taken from the left side of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, elevation view taken along the line 11- ll of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional, elevation view taken along the line l212 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, elevation view taken along DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. I, the pipe assembly and/or installing apparatus of the present invention comprises a supply station, designated generally at 2, and a connection station, designated generally at 4. In the form shown, the supply station 2 comprises a truck T which has an open, generally flat rear deck 6 adapted for supporting a plurality of pipe sections P adapted to be threadably coupled to one another. The pipe sections P are shown stacked in side-by-side relation on a rack 8 for discharge one at a time from the deck 6. The connection station 4 is detachably coupled to the truck T, as at 10, being positioned alongside the deck 6 for receiving individual ones of the pipe sections, such as P1, as they are fed from the deck 6. The connection station 4 comprises a frame 12 including a receiving section 10 adjacent one end, such as the front end, and a discharge section 14 adjacent the other end, such as the rear end. A positioning assembly 16 is mounted adjacent the front end of the frame 12 serving to controllably lower an individual pipe section, such as Pl, onto the frame 12. A front alignment assembly 17 is positioned adjacent the receiving section 13 being arranged to cooperate with the positioning assembly 16 for orienting the pipe section P1 in a predetermined direction. A securement assembly 18 is mounted adjacent to the discharge section 14 being arranged to selectively engage another pipe section, such as P2, which may have been previously coupled to still another pipe section, such as P3, in a manner to be described hereinafter. A rear alignment assembly 19 is positioned adjacent the discharge section 14 for orienting the pipe section P2 in a predetermined direction on the frame 12. The securement assembly 18 is selectively actuatable to urge the pipe section P2 into engagement with the rear alignment assembly 19 for clampingly securing the pipe section P2 against rotation relative to the frame 12. The front and rear alignment assemblies are arranged with respect to one another such that upon actuation of the securement means, the adjacent ends of the pipe sections P1 and P2 will be positioned in substantially axial alignment with one another for end-to-end connection to one'another. In the specific embodiment shown, the front alignment assembly is arranged to enable rotation of the pipe section Pl about its longitudinal axis. A selectively actuatable connection assembly 20 is mounted adjacent the receiving section 13 for selectively engaging and rotating the pipe section P1, and thus, threadably coupling the adjacent ends of the pipe sections P1 and P2 together. The connection station 4 is mounted on wheels W so that upon movement of the truck T, the connection station 4 will be pulled therealong. Further, the alignment assemblies are arranged to direct the pipe sections P] and P2 in a generally axial direction along the connection station 4. Therefore, after completion of the coupling operation the truck T is moved a predetermined distance depending upon the particular length of the individual pipe sections so that the coupled pipe sections P1 and P2 are moved relative to the connection station to shift the pipe section Pl from its position adjacent the receiving section to the position formerly occupied on the connection station by the pipe section P2, and to enable another pipe section, P4, to be discharged from the deck 6 onto the connection station into the position formerly occupied by the pipe section Pl for coupling to the pipe section Pl, as afore-described. By this arrangement, a continuous pipeline PL can be formed at the job site alongside a previously excavated trench TR, and the pipeline thus formed may be discharged from the connection station directly into the trench or laid alongside the trench for positioning therein after completion of a given length of the pipeline.

In FIG. 2, the rear deck 6 of the truck T is shown having the pipe sections P removed therefrom. As shown, the rack 8 comprises an outer frame 25 and an inner frame 26. The outer frame 25 includes support beams 27 and 28 which extend transversely across the deck 6 between the opposed sides 30 and 31. The support beams 27 and 28 may be made of any suitable material, such as channel iron or the like, being secured to the deck 6, such as by bolts 33 (FIG. 13) or the like. Additional beams 34 and 35 are shown as extending between the respective distal ends of the beams 27 and 28 providing increased rigidity for the outer frame 25. The inner frame 26 is shown as being generally rectangular in configuration being defined by front, rear and side beams, such as at 36, 37,39 and 40, respectively. In the form shown, the inner frame 26' is supported at its opposite sides by elongated rods 42 and 44 which are adapted for pivotal movement about their longitudinal axes. As shown, the rods 42 and 44 extend longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the deck 6 and alongside of the side beams 39 and 40, respectively. The opposed distal ends of the rods 42 and 44 are mounted for pivotal movement on the front and rear beams 36 and 37. Each of the rods, such as 44, may be supported adjacent their distal ends, such as by brackets 46 and 47 which may be attached to the support beams 27 and 28, such as by welding or the like.

As shown in FIG. 13, each of the brackets, such as 46, is arranged to open upwardly being of a generally U- Shaped configuration, when viewed in side elevation, to enable the associated rod, such as 44, to be lifted out of engagement therewith. BY this arrangement, the

rack 8 may be pivoted about either of the rods 42 or 44 so that pipe sections may be discharged from either side of the deck 6.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, jack means 48 may be provided to raise and lower the respective sides of the inner frame 26, as aforesaid. As shown in FIG. 2, the jack means 48 comprises one pair ofjack assemblies 50 and 51 operably connected to one side of the inner frame 26 and another pair of jack assemblies 52 and 53 operably connected to the other side of the inner frame 26 for pivoting the inner frame 26 about the rods 44 or 42, respectively. As each of the jack assemblies are ofa generally identical construction, only one, such as 50, will be described in detail with like parts of the remaining jack assemblies being designated by like numerals, when necessary. As shown in FIG. 4, the jack assembly 50 comprises a fluid cylinder 55 adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, such as compressed air. The fluid cylinder 55 is shown as being sup ported beneath the deck 6 on a bracket 57 which may be secured to the underside of the deck 6, such as be welding or the like. The fluid cylinder 55 may be rigidly connected to the bracket 57 and may include a generally upright plunger arm 59 for engagement with the inner frame 26. The plunger arm 59 may be arranged in any suitable manner for detachable connection to the inner frame 26, but in the form shown, a yoke-like receptacle 60 is attached to the upper end of the plunger 59 being adapted to receive the rod 44 in seated engagement therein. The receptacle 60 is shown as being generally U-shaped in configuration, when viewed in side elevation, including upwardly extending arms 61 and 62 which are arranged to extend upwardly alongside the rod 44. Preferably, the spacing between the arms 61 and 62 is greater than the diameter of the rod 44 so as to enable the rod 44 to shift in the direction of the arm 62 to compensate for the displacement of the rod 42 awayfrom the vertical axis of the plunger arm 59 as the inner frame 26 is pivoted about the rod 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the jack assembly 51 is laterally spaced from the jack assembly 50 along the rod 44 being arranged to cooperate with the jack assembly 50 to pivot the inner frame 26 about the rod 44. Likewise, the jack assemblies 52 and 53 are attached to the deck 6 for engagement with the rod 44 to pivot the inner frame about the rod 42. Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a mounting rod 63 is mounted adjacent the front end of the deck 6 for detachably coupling the connection station 4 to the truck T for movement therewith. As shown, the rod 63 projects outwardly beyond the opposite sides 30 and 31 of the deck 6. The rod 63 is shown as being supported by downwardly depending arms 54 and 56 which are attached to the opposite sides of the deck 6. By this arrangement, the connection station 4 may be detachably connected on either side of the deck 6, as desired.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 25 is provided with rail-like abutment members 75 and 76 which serve to retain the pipe sections P on the deck 6 when the rack 8 is in the raised discharge position, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the abutment members 75 and 76 are mounted in laterally spaced relation on the side beam 35, such as by welding or the like, and ex tend outwardly beyond the side 31 of the deck 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the abutment members, such as 75, extend in generally cantilevered relationship with respect to the deck 6 so as to carry the pipe sections disposed thereon outwardly away from the rack 8 beyond the adjacent side of the deck 6. As shown, the inner ends of the abutment members, such as 75, are sharply curved so as to provide an abutment to stop the outermost one of the pipe sections remaining in the stack, such as P5, and still enable the pipe sections, such as P6, to be pushed in rolling relation over the inner end onto the abutment members 75 and 76 for discharge from the deck 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner end of the abutment members, such as 75, is curved generally upwardly and outwardly merging smoothly with the top surface 77. In the alternative, the inner end of the abutment members may be inclined, such as an angle of approximately 45, instead of the curved construction shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The upper surface 77 of the abutment members is shown as being gradually inclined in a direction away from the inner end so that pipe sections moved over the inner end will roll, as by gravity, toward the outer end for discharge therefrom.

referring again to FIG. 2, ejection assemblies 65 and 66 are operably associated with the rack 8 for discharging the pipe sections one at a time from the sides 30 and 31, respectively, of the deck 6. As the ejection assemblies 65 and 66 are identical in construction, only one,

such as 65, will be described in detail by like numerals,

when necessary. Referring now to FIG. 5, the ejection assembly 65 is shown in the non-actuated position (solid lines) and includes a generally flat pusher plate 67 which is pivotally connected along its outer edge to the side beam 40, such as by a hinge 68. A fluid cylinder 69 is shown rigidly mounted on the deck 6, such as by a bracket 70, being adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, such as compressed air or the like. The fluid cylinder 69 includes an upwardly extending, generally vertically-acting piston rod 71 which is connected adjacent its upper end to the plate 67. In the form shown, a flange 72 depends downwardly from the plate 67 and includes an elongated slot 73 therein. The upper end of the rod 71 is shown as being pivotally connected to the flanges 72 by a pin 74 which extends through and is slidably movable along the slot 73. The slot 73 is sahown'as extending generally parallel to the general plane of the pusher plate 67 such that actuation of the piston rod 71 will cause the plate to be pivoted upwardly about the hinge 68 into engagement with the outermost pipe section in the-stack, such as P5, disposed in engagement with the abutment members 75 and 76. When the piston rods 71 of the ejection assemblies 65 and 66 are fully actuated (phantom lines), the outermost pipe section P5 will be moved over the inner end of the abutment members 75 and 76 onto the top surface 77, as indicated by the pipe section F6, for discharge from the abutment members onto the connection station, as aforesaid.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pusher plate 67 is disposed between the abutment members 75 and 76. Further, the inner ends of the abutment members 75 and 76 extend inwardly of the pivotal axis of the hinge 68. Preferably, the inner edge, such as at 80, of the pusher plate 67 is positioned outwardly of the point of contact, such as at 78, between adjacent pipe sections resting on the rack 8. A guard flap 79 is shown pivotally connected to the inner edge 80 of the pusher plate 67, such as by a hinge 81, being arranged to slidably engage the pipe section P7 adjacent the pipe section to be ejected, such as P5, and prevent the pipe section P7 from shifting downwardly into engagement with the abutment members 75 and 76 until the pusher plate 67 has returned to its non-actuated position. As shown, the flange 72 is beveled adjacent its inner end providing an abutment edge 82 to limit pivotal movement of the flap 79 toward the pusher plate 67, and thus, serves to hold the pipe section P7 in a generally stationary position until the pusher plate returns to its normal position. In addition, such as arrangement prevents the pipe section P7 from contacting the extended piston rods, and thus, avoids possible damage thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 8, the frame 12 of the connection apparatus 4 comprises a pair of oppositely disposed, laterally extending channel members 85 and 86 which are joined together at their opposed distal ends. In the form shown, the channel members 85 nd 86 are joined at the rear end by a cross piece 88, such as angle iron or the like, and at the front end by a plate member 96, such as by welding or the like. In the form shown, the frame 12 is supported on a wheel assembly 90 including the wheels W to facilitate rolling movement of the frame along the ground.

The frame 12 may be coupled to the truck T in any suitable manner, but in the form shown, a channel member 92 is attached to the other end of the rod 63, such as by welding or the like, and includes an aperture 91 therein. The plate 96 is similarly provided with an aperture 94 arranged for alignment with the aperture 7 91 to enable a suitable fastener 95, such as a bolt or the like, to be inserted therethrough to secure the plate 92 to the underside of the frame, and thus, the frame to the truck T. Preferably, the rod 63 is pivotally mounted on the arms 54 and 56 to enable the frame 12 to be moved either up or down relative to the deck 6 to compensate for any variations in the level of the ground.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the front alignment assembly 17 comprises a pair of roller assemblies 100 and 101 mounted at laterally spaced relationship in the lengthwise direction of the frame for seatingly supporting a respective one of the pipe sections, such as P1, thereon. As the roller assemblies 100 and 101 are identical in construction, only one, such as 100, will be described in detail with like parts of the other roller assembly 101 being designated by like numerals when necessary. As shown, the roller assembly 100 includes a pair of oppositely disposed roller members 103 and 104 having their respective axes of rotation extending generally parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the pipe section Pl, when the latter is supported on the frame 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the transverse distance between the roller member 103 and the roller member 104 is less than the minimum diameter of the pipe section P1. The roller members 103 of the roller assemblies 100 and 101 are aligned with one another such that they have a common axis of rotation. The rollers 104 are similarly aligned. Although not specifically shown, it is to be understood that the roller members 103 and 104 may be adjustably mounted on the frame 12 for movement toward and away from one another to provide optimum spacing therebetween dependent upon the diameter of the pipe sections being coupled together. By this arrangement, a pipe section, such as P1, disposed on the roller members 103 and 104 of the respective roller assemblies 100 and 101 will be capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis and also enable the pipe section P1 to be shifted in an axial direction lengthwise of the frame.

The positioning assembly 17 is provided to reduce the impact of the pipe sections on the frame 12 as they are discharged from the supply truck T. In one form, and referring again to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the positioning assembly 116 comprises a pair of generally V-shaped brackets 107 and 109 mounted in laterally spaced relationship on the frame 12. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the brackets, such as 109, includes spaced, generally upwardly and outwardly extending arms 111 and 112 adapted to receive the respective pipe sections therebetween. Each of the arms 11 1 and 112 are rigidly secured adjacent the lower end of the frame 12, such as by welding or the like. A flexible element 114 such as a rope or the like, is suspended between the upper ends of the arms 111 and 112. One end of the rope 114 is shown fixedly connected to the arm 112. The opposite end of the rope 114 is looped about a roller member 116 mounted adjacent the upper end of the arm 111 and is attached to a weight 117 for applying a tension force thereto. BY positioning the outer ends of the abutment members and 76 directly above the frame 12, the free falling pipe sections discharged from the supply truck T will engage the ropes 114 and the pipe sections will be eased into seated position on the roller members 103 and 104 of the roller assemblies and 101. Sleeve members 120 maybe disposed circumferentially about the rope 114 between the upper ends of the arms 111 and 112 to reduce the wear thereon. The sleeves 120 may be made of any suitable flexible material, such as plastic or the like.

Referring now to FIGS, 6, 7 and 11, another alignment assembly 19 is mounted adjacent the rear end of the frame 12 being arranged to support a pipe section P2 in aligned relationship with the pipe section Pl supported on the front end thereof. In the form shown, the rear alignment assembly 19 comprises another pair of roller assemblies and 126 which are mounted in laterally spaced relationship along the lengthwise direction of the frame 12 and rearwardly of the roller assemblies 100 and 101. As shown, the roller assemblies 125 and 126 are identical in construction, and thus, only one, such as 126, will be described in detail with like parts of the other roller assembly 125 being designated by like numerals, when necessary. The roller assembly 126 is shown as including a pair of oppositely disposed rollers 128 and 129 which extend generally angularly inwardly toward one another. More specifically, the axes of rotation and planes of rotation of the rollers 128 and 129 extend generally angularly with respect to one another, such as an angle of approximately 90. The maximum transverse distance between opposed roller members 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 126 is less than the minimum diameter disposed thereon. In addition, he roller members 128 of the roller assemblies 125 and 126 are arranged to have a common plane of rotation, and similarly, the roller members 129 of the roller assemblies 125 and 126 are also arranged to have a common plane of rotation. As shown in FIG. 11, the plane of rotation of the roller members 128 and 129 is generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the pipe section P2 supported thereon, and thus, enables the pipe section P2, if otherwise unrestricted, to roll freely therealong. Again, it is to be understood that the roller members 128 and 129 of the respective roller assemblies 125 and 126 may be adjustably mounted on the frame 12 to permit adjustment therebetween so that pipe sections of varying diameter may be accommodated.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the roller members 128 of the roller assemblies 125 and 126 and the roller members 103 of the roller assemblies 100 and 101 are aligned with one another such that the point of Contact thereon with a respective one of the pipe sections P1 and P2 define a straight line which is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the pipe sections P1 and P2 when supported thereon. Likewise, the points of contact on the roller members 129 of the roller assemblies 125 and 126 and roller members 104 of the roller assemblies 100 and 101 define a straight line which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe sections P1 and P2 when supported thereon such that the pipe sections P1 and P2 will be disposed in axial alignment with one another when in engagement with the respective roller members as aforesaid.

The pipe sections of the type contemplated to be coupled by the present apparatus, generally lack any great degree of flexibility, and thus, the portion of the pipeline Pl extending outwardly beyond the rear end of the frame 12 will tend to droop causing the last pipe sections to be coupled to pivot upwardly about the roller assembly 125. More specifically, the portion of the coupled pipe sections extending forwardly of the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 125 will be lifted off of the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 126 and be angularly displaced with respect to the frame 12. It has been found that by inclining the frame toward the ground from the front end to the rear end, he angular displacement of the pipe sections with respect to the frame 12 is reduced.

The securement means 18 includes a pair of selectively controlled fluid actuated clamping assemblies 135 and 136 which are mounted in laterally spaced relationship along the lengthwise direction of the frame 12. The clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are arranged for coacting clamping engagement with the roller assemblies 125 and 126, respectively, so that the pipe section P2 will be moved from an angularly displaced position into axial alignment with the pipe section P1 to enable coupling thereof. More specifically, and referring now to FIG. 10, the clamping assembly 135 comprises a frame 138 which supports a generally vertically-oriented fluid cylinder 139. The fluid cylinder 7 139 includes a depending, generally vertically-acting piston rod 140 which has a jaw member 142 mounted adjacent the lower end thereof being adapted to be moved by the piston rod 140 from a raised position, in-

dicated by phantom lines 142, to a lowered clamping position, indicated by the solid lines 142. In the form shown, the jaw member 142 is generally inverted U- shaped in configuration, when viewed in end elevation,

including spaced downwardly depending flanges 143 I and 144 adapted to engage the pipe section P2 upon actuation of the fluid cylinder 139. Referring now to FIG. 11, the clamping assembly 136 comprises a frame 145 which supports a generally vertically-oriented fluid cylinder 146. The fluid cylinder 146 includes a downwardly depending, generally vertically-acting piston rod 148 having a jaw member 149 mounted adjacent the lower end thereof, which jaw member 149 is of a similar construction to the jaw member 142. Similarly, the jaw member 149 includes downwardly depending flanges 184 and 185 adapted for engagement with the pipe section P2 upon actuation of the fluid cylinder 146 to move the jaw member 149 from a non-actuated raised position, indicated by the phantom lines at 149 to a lowered actuated position, indicated by the solid lines at 149. The fluid cylinders 139 and 146 are arranged for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, and may be either simultaneously or separately actuated, as desired. By the foregoing arrangement, the clamping assembly 135,

when actuated, will hold the pipe section P2 in firm engagement with the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 125, whereas the clamping assembly 136 will force the opposite end of the pipe section P2 downwardly into engagement with the roller members 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 126, and thus,

precisely axially align the pipe section P2 with the pipe,

section Pl.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 7, generally, the

pipe sections contemplated to be coupled by the apparatus of the present invention, include a bell end and a spigot end. The bell end is of a larger diameter than the spigot end so as to enable the spigot end of one pipe section to be inserted into the bell end ofanother pipe section. Accordingly, the connection station 4 is disposed in its normal operating position alongside the supply truck T such that the bell end of the pipe section, such as Pl, fed onto the receiving section of the connection station 4, will be disposed rearwardly of the roller assembly 100 and forwardly of the roller assembly 126. Upon operation of the securement means 18, the spigot end of a previously coupled pipe section,

such as P2, will be axially aligned with the bell end of the pipe section P1 to enable the pipe sections P1 and P2 to be coupled together.

When the pipe section P2 is in the clamped position, as aforesaid, and the pipe section P1 is resting on the rollers 103 and 104 of the roller assemblies 100 and 101 (FIG. 7), the bell end B of the pipe section P1 will not necessarily be in contact with the spigot end S of the pipe section P2. Thus, the pipe section Pl must be shifted axially toward the pipe section P2 to bring the external threads on the spigot end S of the pipe section P2 into registration with the intemall threads on the bell end B of the pipe section P1. To achieve such, a shifter mechanism 150 is provided. The shifter mechanism 150 comprises a fluid actuated cylinder 151 which is adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air, and includes a reciprocating member 152 arranged for reciprocating movement axially of the pipe section P1. A pad 153 is attached to the outer end of the piston member 152 such that upon actuation of the fluid, cylinder 151, the pad 153 will engage the spigot end of the pipe section P1 as at 154, and force the pipe section P1 into engagement with the pipe section P2. When the pipe sections P1 and P2 are arranged for threaded connection, as in the present situation, the fluid cylinder 151 should remain actuated during the initial portion of the threading operation for reasons which will become more apparent hereinafter. On the other hand, the shifting operation could be performed manually, when desired, and particularly, in those situations where the pipe sections are of an unusually short length and the throw of the piston member 52 is not capable of shifting a pipe section,

such as P1, into engagement with the pipe section P2.

When the threads of the pips section P1 and P2 are in engagement with one another, as aforesaid, the connection assembly (FIGS. 6 and 7) is actuated. As shown in FIG. 9, the connection assembly 20 comprises a support frame 155 having spaced, generally upwardly extending arms 156 and 157 adapted to receive the pipe section P1 therebetween. A lever arm 158 is pivotally connected, as at 159, adjacent the upper end of the arm 156 having the pivotal connection 159 located generally centrally between the opposed ends thereof. As shown, a drive motor 160 is mounted adjacent one end of the lever arm 158, such as the outer end, and includes a drive wheel 161 for engagement with the pipe section P1. A fluid actuated cylinder 162 is mounted on a plate 163 which in turn is mounted on the frame 12, such as by welding or the like. The other end of the fluid cylinder 162 is preferably detachably connected to the frame 12, such as at 165, and includes a generally vertically-acting piston rod 164. The opposite end of the lever arm 158 remote from the drive motor 160 is shown pivotally connected to the upper end of the piston rod 164, such as at 168, so that upon actuation of the fluid cylinder 162, the lever arm 158 will be pivoted about the pivotal connection 159 to move the drive wheel 161 downwardly into pressured engagement with the pipe section P1. Preferably, the drive motor 160 is of the pneumatic-type being actuated simultaneously upon actuation of the fluid cylinder 162. As shown, when the drive motor 160 is actuated, the wheel 161 will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, such as indicated by the arrow 166, and thus, the pipe section Pl will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow 167, to threadably couple the pipe sections P1 and P2 together. Preferably, the plane of rotation of the wheel 161 is disposed at an angle slightly greater than the pitch angle of the threads on the pipe sections P1 and P2 so as to continually urge the pipe section P1 rearwardly to overcome any frictional contact between the rollers 103 and 104 and the pipe section P1 during the threading operation. Further, by this arrangement, the fluid cylinder 151 may be deactuated after threadable connection of the first few threads on the pipe sections P1 and P2, if desired. As shown in FIG. 9, the other arm 157 may similarly be arranged with a pivotal connection, as at 171, and a detachable connection, as at 172, to enable the connection mechanism to be mounted on the opposite side of the frame 12, when desired. AFter the completion of the threading operation, it may be desirable to apply a sealant to the joint or to further secure the joint, such as by welding or the like, prior to transferring the pipe sections along the connection station in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter.

After the coupling operation, the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are deactuated and the truck T is moved forwardly so as to pull the connection station 4 forwardly. When a number of pipe sections have been connected, the weight of the pipe sections extending beyond the rear end of the connection station 4 will prevent the pipe sections P1 and P2 from moving forwardly with the connection station 4 and enable the pipe sections P1 and P2 to roll rearwardly with respect to the frame 12 along the roller assemblies 100, 101, 125, and 126. Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the spacing between the roller members 103 and 104 of each of the roller assemblies and 101 is less than the overall length of the respective pipe sections, such as P1. Further, the roller assembly 100 is mounted rearwardly of the bracket 107 and the roller assembly 101 is mounted between the brackets 107 and 109 being positioned closer to the bracket 109 than the bracket 107. Further, the maximum transverse distance between the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assemblies and 126 is also known as being less than the overall length of the respective one of the pipe sections, such as P2, such that the bell end of the pipe section P2 will project past the clamping assembly when the spigot end is projecting forwardly of the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 126. Further, the minimum spacing between the roller assemblies 100 and 101 and the minimum spacing between the roller assemblies 125 and 126 is greater than one-half of the overall length of the respective one of the pipe sections P1. In addition, he maximum spacing between the roller assemblies 125 and the roller assembly 100 and the maximum spacing between the roller assembly 126 and roller assembly 101 is less than the overall length of a respective one of the pipe sections P. By this arrangement, the bell end of a respective one of the pipe sections will engage the rollers 128 and 129 of the rollerassembly 126 before the spigot end becomes disengaged from the roller 103 and 104 of the roller assembly 101 when the pipe section is moved axially in the lengthwise direction of the frame 12. Likewise, the bell end of a pipe section will engage the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 125 prior to disengagement of the spigot end from the rollers 103 and 104 of the roller assembly 100 upon continuous axial movement of the pipe section along the frame 12. It is understood, that all of the roller assemblies 100, 101, 125 and 126 as well as the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 may be adjustably mounted on the frame 12 for movement lengthwise thereof to accommodate different lengths of pipe sections. In addition, the shifter mechanism may also be moveably adjusted in the lengthwise direction of the frame 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, a limit switch device 174 may be provided to sense the unconnected end of the pipe section P1 as it is moved from the connection section 13 to the discharge section 14. The limit switch device 174 may e of a conventional construction, and as shown, may include a pivotal contact arm 176 having a roller 177 attached to the outer end for rolling contact with the pipe section P1 as it moves rearwardly with respect to the frame 12. The limit switch device 174 may be operably connected to a suitable control such that a signal, such as a light, is communicated to the operator within the truck T, and thus, indicate when to stop the forward movement of the truck T. Preferably, the switch is arranged to open when the roller 177 is in contact with a pipe section and to be closed when the roller 177 becomes disengaged from the pipe section as the free end of the pipe section passes rearwardly beyond the roller 177.

As previously stated, the weight of the pipe sections extending rearwardly of the frame 12 tend to raise or pivot the portions of the pipe sections extending forwardly of the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 125 when the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are deactuated. Accordingly, an alignment wheel 179 is mounted between the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 being adapted to limit the upward pivotal movement of the pipe sections as they are moved rearwardly along the frame 12, as aforesaid. As shown, the wheel 179 is mounted for rotation on a support bracket 180 which extends upwardly from the frame 12. In the form shown, the wheel 179 has its axis of rotation extending generally perpendicular to the central axis of the pipe sections being arranged for rotation in a plane generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pipe sections. The wheel 179 is provided with a generally arcuate, concave outer peripheral surface, as at 182, being arranged to abuttingly engage and direct the coupled pipe sections, such as P1 and P2, rearwardly along the frame after the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are released. The wheel 179 is mounted on the frame 12 such that the maximum vertical distance between the deepest portion, such as 183, of the wheel 179 and the central longitudinal axis of a pipe section supported on the frame 12 is less than the maximum vertical distance between the respective jaw members 142 and 149 of the clamping assemblies 135 and 136. The enlarged bell end of one of the pipe sections forming the coupling therebetween will be held in spaced relationbelow the jaw member 149 to prevent contact therebetween and interference with the axial movement of the pipe sections rearwardly with respect to the frame.

To facilitate rollingmovement of the connection apparatus 4 along the ground, the wheel assembly 188 is provided including the wheels W disposed on opposite sides of the frame 12. In the form shown, the wheels W are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of an axle 192. Referring to FIG. 12, a lifter assembly 196 is operably connected to the axle 192 to provide greater clearance between the frame 12 and the ground when the connection apparatus 4 is not in use and is being transported from one job site to another. As shown, the lifter assembly 196 comprises a linkage assembly including a pair of link members 198 and 199. The link member 198 is rigidly connected at one end to the axle 192 and pivotally connected at the opposite end to the frame 12, as at 200. The link member 199 is pivotally connected at one end to the link 198, as at 201, intermediate the opposed ends thereof and pivotally connected at the opposite end to the rod 202 which extends between and is fixedly connected to the beams 85 and 86. The link 199 is shown as being of a telescopic construction including an inner sleeve 205 adapted for be extended outwardly from within the sleeve 206 against the force of the spring 207. As shown, the axle 192 may be weldably attached to a channel plate 209 which is adapted to abuttingly engage the underside of the frame 12 to stop the rotation of the axle 192 about the connection 200. As shown, the spring 207 is supported in its relaxed state on the link member 199 between one disc 21] attached to the inner sleeve 205 and another disc member 210 attached to the outer sleeve 206. By this arrangement, the force of the spring 207 holds the channel plate 209 away from the underside of the beams and 86 to enable movement of the frame 12 with respect to the ground during the coupling operation and provides shock-absorbing characteristics therefor.

There is shown in FIG. 14 another form of positioning assembly 212. As shown, the positioning assembly 212 includes an elongated, trough-like receptacle 214 adapted to receive a pipe section, as at P, in lengthwise relation therein. The receptacle 214 may be of any suitable configuration, but is shown in FIG. 16 as being generally V-shaped, when viewed in end elevation, including side walls 215 and 216 which extend generally upwardly and outwardly away from one another for seatingly supporting a pipe section P thereon. Referring again to FIG. 14, fluid actuated assemblies 218 and 219 are shown mounted on the frame 12 being adapted to selectively move the receptacle 214 between a lowered position, indicated by solid lines at 214, and a raised position, indicated by the phantom lines at 214. As shown, the fluid actuated assemblies 218 and 219 in clude fluid cylinders 220 and 221, respectively, adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid. Each of the fluid cylinders 220 and 221 include generally vertically-acting piston rods 226 and 227, respectively, which are connected to the opposite ends of the receptacle 214 for raising the receptacle 214 to receive a pipe section P discharging from the supply truck T, an then, lowering the receptacle 214 to position the pipe section P on the roller assemblies and 101 in the manner previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown still another form of positioning assembly 230 including an elongated, trough-like receptacle 232 which is similar in construction to the receptacle 214 shown in FIG. 14. In the form shown in FIG. 15, the positioning assembly 230 includes a pair of lever arms 234 and 235 which are pivotally connected to the frame 12, as at 236 and 237, respectively. Fluid actuated assemblies 238 and 239 are mounted on the frame 12, such as by a bracket 242, and include fluid cylinder 240 and 241 which are adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid, such as compressed air or the like. Each of the fluid cylinders 240 and 241 include a' generally verticallyacting piston rod 244 and 245, respectively, which are pivotally connected to one end, such as the adjacent inner ends 238 and 241 of the lever arms 234 and 235, respectively. The opposite ends of the lever arms 234 and 235 are each pivotally connected adjacent the opposed distal ends of the receptacle 232 for raising and lowering the receptacle 232 between a lowered position, indicated by the solid lines at 232, to a raised position, indicated by the phantom lines 232. In the form shown, the pivotal connections 236 and 237 are off-set along the length of the lever arms 234 and 235 in the direction of the inner ends 238 and 241, respectively, to provide a mechanical advantage greater than a 1:1 ration to minimize the size of the fluid cylinders 255 and 257 and provide a more compact structure. As shown in FIG. 16, the outer ends of the lever arms 234 and 235 are pivotally connected to the opposite distal ends of the receptacle 232 by pins 250 and 252. Lengthwise extending slots 247 and 248 are provided adjacent the respective outer ends of the lever arms 234 and 235 being adapted to receive the pins 250 and 252 therethrough for slidable movement therealong. Similarly, the lever arms 234 and 235 are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the piston rods 243 and 244, such as by pins 259 and 260, respectively. The lever arms 234 and 235 include elongated slots 253 and 254 which are adapted to receive the pins 259 and 260 therethrough, respectively, for sliding movement therealong such that upon actuation of the fluid cylinders 255 and 257, the piston rods 243 and 244 will move downwardly causing the lever arms 234 and 235 to pivot about the connections 236 and 237 and raise the receptacle 232 to receive a pipe section P from the supply truck T. The fluid cylinders 255 and 257 are then actuated to raise the piston rods 243 and 244 to lower the pipe section P onto the frame 12, as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 1, a control assembly 260 may be provided for controlling the aforementioned fluid cylinders. The control assembly 260 is shown as including a switching device 262 adapted to selectively connect the various cylinders to a source of pressurized fluid, such as compressed air or the like, contained within a pressure tank R mounted on the truck T.

OPERATION Assuming that the connection station 4 has been coupled to the supply truck T, and the supply truck T has been moved into position alongside of a previously excavated trench TR, and that the connection station has been coupled adjacent the side 31 of the deck 6, the present operation will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the jack assemblies 50 and 51 are actuated to pivot the inner frame 26 of the rack 8 about the rod 44 causing the pipe sections supported thereon to shift toward the abutment members 75 and 76. With the pipe sections in the aforementioned position, the ejection assembly 66 is actuated causing the pusher plate 67 to engage the outermost pipe section, such as P5 in FIG. 4, and lift the pipe section P5 away from the stack of pipe sections in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis onto the top surface 77 of the abutment members 75 and 76 into the position indicated by the pipe section P6 in FIG. 5. The pipe section will then move, as by gravity, outwardly over the ends of the abutment member 75 and 76, and fall freely toward the connection station 4. As the pipe section falls toward the connection station, it will engage the ropes 114 of the brackets 107 and 109 and be eased into position on the rollers 103 and 104 of the roller assemblies and 101 as indicated by the pipe section P1 in FIG. 7. At the commencement of the operation, it is necessary to manually shift the first pipe section deposited on the connection station from the connection section 13 to a position adjacent the discharge section 14, indicated by the pipe section P2. The clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are then actuated to clamp the pipe section P2 in firm engagement with the roller members 128 and 129 of the roller assemblies and 126 (FIG. 7). Another pipe section is then ejected from the supply truck T in the manner previously described into the position indicated in FIG. 7 by the pipe section P. The shifter assembly 150 is then actuated to move the pipe section, such as P1, in an axial direction toward the pipe section P2. The connection assembly 20 is then actuated causing the drive wheel 161 to move downwardly into engagement with the pipe section P1, and thus, rotate the pipe section Pl so as to threadably connect the bell end B of the pipe section P1 with the spigot end S of the pipe section P2.

After the pipe section P1 and P2 have been coupled together, the operator of the truck T moves the truck forwardly alongside the trench TR in the axial direction of the pipe sections P1 and P2. While connecting the first few pipe sections, it has been found necessary to physically restrain the movement of such pipe sections to prevent their movement along with the connection station 4. Normally, after a number of pipe sections have been connected to one another, the weight of the pipe sections extending outwardly from the rear end of the connection station, such as at PL, will prevent the pipe sections P1 and P2 from moving forwardly with the connection station 4, and will cause the pipe sections P1 and P2 to roll along the roller assemblies 100, 101, 125 and 126, and thus, shift the pipe section P1 to the position formerly occupied by the pipe section P2.

The truck T is moved forwardly until the uncoupled end of the pipe section Pl has moved rearwardly beyond and out of engagement with the roller member 177 providing a signal to the operator to stop the truck T. With the clamping assemblies and 136 in the non-actuated condition, the unconnected end of the pipe section Pl will be caused to pivot upwardly about the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assembly 125 due to the droop in the pipeline PL extending outwardly beyond the rear end of the connection station 4. Therefore, the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are actuated to cause the jaw members 142 and 149 to engage and move the pipe section P1 (which is now located in the position of pipe section P2, and thus, will be designated as pipe section P2 hereinafter) into engagement with the rollers 128 and 129 of the roller assemblies 125 and 126.

After clamping the pipe section P2 in position adjacent the discharge section, as aforesaid, another pipe section is ejected from the supply station, in the manner previously described, to cause the bell end B of the pipe section P1 to engage the spigot end S of the pipe section P2. The connection assembly 20 is then actuated to rotate the pipe section P1 to threadly couple the pipe section P1 with thepipe section P2. After the coupling operation, the clamping assemblies 135 and 136 are deactuated to release the'pipe section P2. The truck T is then moved forwardly to shift the coupled pipe section in an axial direction along the roller assemblies 100, 101, 125 and 126 in the manner previously described. At this time, the weight of the pipe sections extending outwardly beyond the end of the connection station 4 should be sufficient to restrain movement of the pipe sections so that they will not be carried along with the connection station as it moves with the truck T. The operation is then continued in the manner previously described until the required number of pipe sections have been coupled together to form a pipeline of the required length.

I claim: 1. An apparatus for connecting individual pipe sections comprising,

a movable connection station for movement along the ground, said connection station including a receiving section for supporting a'first pipe section delivered from a supply source and a connection section for supporting a second pipe section delivered from said receiving section, an alignment means for orienting said first pipe section and said second pipe section on said connec tion station, securement means operably coacting with said alignment means for selectively positioning said second pipe section in axial alignment with said first pipe section upon actuation thereof, connection means for connecting said first pipe section with said second pipe section, and said alignment means arranged to guide said coupled pipe sections in an axial direction along said connection station upon deactuation of said securement means and movement of said connection station along the ground. 2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including descent control means mounted adjacent said receiving section for controlling lowering said first pipe section onto said connection station. 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprises at least one roller assembly including a pair of opposed roller members, and said roller members having substantially parallel planes of rotation. 4. An apparatus in accordance with claim I, wherein said alignment means comprises a roller assembly including a pair of opposed roller members, nd said roller members having their plane of rotation disposed in generally angular relation to one another. 5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said securement means comprises at least one clamping assembly operably coacting with said alignment means for clampingly engaging said second pipe section in end-to-end relationship with said first pipe section. 6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means includes a guide means for directing said coupled pipe sections lengthwise along said connection station and in aligned relation with said securement means.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said alignment means comprises at least one pair of roller assemblies,

said roller assemblies being mounted in laterally spaced relationship on said connection station, and

said guide means comprises a wheel member spaced above said roller assemblies for limiting the movement of said first pipe section away from certain ones of said roller assemblies upon axial movement of said first pipe section from said receiving section to said discharge section after deactuation of said securement means and during movement of said connection station along the ground.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including a moveable supply station for storing a plurality of pipe sections thereon, and

said connection station being operably coupled to said supply station for movement, as a unit, along the ground.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein said supply station includes ejection means for selectively moving said pipe sections in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis from said supply station to said connection station.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,

wherein 7 said first and second pipe sections are arranged for threaded connection at their opposed ends, and said connection station includes a rotatable drive member, nd

said drive member being positionable in engagement with said first pipe section for rotating said first pipe section about its longitudinal axis and relative to said second pipe section for threadably connecting said pipe sections together.

11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,

wherein said alignment means comprises a first set of roller assemblies including opposed :roller members having their respective planes of rotation extending generally parallel to one another,

a second set of roller assemblies including opposed roller members having their respective planes of rotation extending generally angularly with respect to one another, and

a guide assembly including a rotatable member adapted for engagement with said pipe section for maintaining said pipe sections in aligned relation with said securement means upon movement in a generally axial direction along said connection station after deactuation of said securement means and movement of said connection station along the ground.

12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,

wherein said securement means includes a pair of clamping assemblies mounted in laterally spaced relationship along said connection station,

said alignment means includes at least one pair of roller assemblies mounted in laterally spaced relationship along said connection station, and

each of said clamping assemblies cooperating with a respective one of said roller assemblies for selectively clamping said second pipe section in sub- 

1. An apparatus for connecting individual pipe sections comprising, a movable connection station for movement along the ground, said connection station including a receiving section for supporting a first pipe section delivered from a supply source and a connection section for supporting a second pipe section delivered from said receiving section, an alignment means for orienting said first pipe section and said second pipe section on said connection station, securement means operably coacting with said alignment means for selectively positioning said second pipe section in axial alignment with said first pipe section upon actuation thereof, connection means for connecting said first pipe section with said second pipe section, and said alignment means arranged to guide said coupled pipe sections in an axial direction along said connection station upon deactuation of said securement means and movement of said connection station along the ground.
 2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including descent control means mounted adjacent said receiving section for controlling lowering said first pipe section onto said connection station.
 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprises at least one roller assembly including a pair of opposed roller members, and said roller members having substantially parallel planes of rotation.
 4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprises a roller assembly including a pair of opposed roller members, nd said roller members having their plane of rotation disposed in generally angular relation to one another.
 5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said securement means comprises at least one clamping assembly operably coacting with said alignment means for clampingly engaging said second pipe section in end-to-end relationship with said first pipe section.
 6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means includes a guide means for directing said coupled pipe sections lengthwise along said connection station and in aligned relation with said securement means.
 7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said alignment means comprises at least one pair of roller assemblies, said roller assemblies being mounted in laterally spaced relationship on said connection station, and said guide means comprises a wheel member spaced above said roller assemblies for limiting the movement of said first pipe section away from certain ones of said roller assemblies upon axial movement of said first pipe section from said receiving section to said discharge section after deactuation of said securement means and during movement of said connection station along the ground.
 8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including a moveable supply station for storing a plurality of pipe sections thereon, and said connection station being operably coupled to said supply station for movement, as a unit, along the ground.
 9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein said sUpply station includes ejection means for selectively moving said pipe sections in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis from said supply station to said connection station.
 10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second pipe sections are arranged for threaded connection at their opposed ends, and said connection station includes a rotatable drive member, nd said drive member being positionable in engagement with said first pipe section for rotating said first pipe section about its longitudinal axis and relative to said second pipe section for threadably connecting said pipe sections together.
 11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprises a first set of roller assemblies including opposed roller members having their respective planes of rotation extending generally parallel to one another, a second set of roller assemblies including opposed roller members having their respective planes of rotation extending generally angularly with respect to one another, and a guide assembly including a rotatable member adapted for engagement with said pipe section for maintaining said pipe sections in aligned relation with said securement means upon movement in a generally axial direction along said connection station after deactuation of said securement means and movement of said connection station along the ground.
 12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said securement means includes a pair of clamping assemblies mounted in laterally spaced relationship along said connection station, said alignment means includes at least one pair of roller assemblies mounted in laterally spaced relationship along said connection station, and each of said clamping assemblies cooperating with a respective one of said roller assemblies for selectively clamping said second pipe section in substantially stationary relation on said connection station. 